When India was about to assume rotating presidency at UNSC for the month of August, netizens fondly recalled two Korean war resolutions of 1950 adopted when India was in charge. In the course of past seven decades reflecting the geopolitical realities and developments, as council president India issued impactful presidential statements and passed resolutions. As a non-permanent member India held two-year term at UNSC in 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92 and 2011-12. India’s current stint is her 8th tenure as council president.
Besides the month-long presidency in August, India
will also get an opportunity to preside over the UNSC in December 2022. Some of
the most outstanding resolutions which exemplified India’s stance include the
strongest condemnation of the apartheid in October 1977, resolution on 1991
Iraq-Kuwait war and collapse of Yugoslavia in 1992.
As has been the practice before assuming the council
presidency, laying out the foundation for Indian perspective, EAM Jaishankar
announced, “India will always be voice of moderation, an advocate of
dialogue and a proponent of international law”. India’s
agenda for the month included three focus areas- maritime security, peacekeeping
and terrorism and meetings on Syria pertaining to chemical weapons, political
and humanitarian aspects, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Somalia, Yemen,
Iraq, Middle East (Israel- Palestine).
In addition, India has listed the adoption of
Presidential statement on drawdown of The African Union-the United Nations
Hybrid Operations in Darfur (UNAMID), renewals of United Nations Assistance
Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), UNIFIL, Mali sanctions and a resolution on
increasing ceilings on UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in
Mali (MINUSMA)
Aside the priority areas, owing to the deepening
crisis in Afghanistan and fall of the democratic government, India held council
three meetings on Afghanistan. Coinciding the departure of US forces from
Afghanistan, India adopted the resolution 2593 forwarded by US, UK and France
and supported by 13 members of UNSC after Russia and China abstained the
meeting.
The resolution expects Taliban to allow safe and
secure departure of Afghans and other foreign nations, uphold human rights and
safeguard rights of women, minorities and children and “demands that Afghan
territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter, train
terrorists or plan or finance terrorist acts”. Notably the resolution mentions LeT and JeM,
designated as terror entities pursuant to UNSC resolution 1267 with proven
record of carrying terror activities in Kashmir.
At a time when analysts have criticized India’s
pussy-footing, New Delhi on the behalf of international community through UNSC
sent a strong signal to Taliban that if it seeks legitimacy, it must adhere to
the demands of the resolution. Prioritizing the ripple effect of Taliban
takeover of Afghanistan on the immediate neighbourhood, India lost no
opportunity to highlight the menace of terrorism in the region at the UNSC.
Alongside, underscoring the importance of maritime
security and globalizing the Indo-Pacific geographic construct, for the first
time ever, on August 9th Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a
session on Maritime Security, “Enhancing Maritime Security: A case for
International Cooperation”. The Presidency Open Debate assumes greater
significance for being the first ever standalone discussion on maritime
security. Previously Vietnam in April 2021 and Equatorial Guinea in February
2019 attempted to move a debate on maritime security at UNSC but it was stalled
by China.
Unlike other global challenges, major powers have
different perceptions about maritime security. Lack of convergence has impeded
an unbiased discussion and collective contemplation for evolving an agreeable
framework.
India, which is at logger heads with China has laid
firm diplomatic groundwork to initiate the discussion and evolve a framework on
maritime security. Maritime front has become new theatre of contestation
between India and China ever since the US has advanced the construct of
Indo-Pacific in lieu of Asia-Pacific, which accentuated the centrality of India
for the entire region. Together, the new Indo-Pacific region policies of
European countries like the Netherlands, UK, France and Germany prompted a
consensus building on maritime security.
India made five proposals and affirmed commitment to
rule of law and advocated the framework laid by the UNCLOS. India drew
attention to the use of sea by terrorists and called for capacity building,
sharing of effective practices to combat crime; safeguarding legitimate uses of
oceans, livelihoods of seafarers.
The five principles are an extension of India’s
maritime policy which is reflected in New Delhi’s SAGAR (Security and Growth
for All in the Region) concept of 2015, India’s Indo-Pacific vision 2018
Shangri La Dialogue and India’s seven pillars of maritime cooperation of
Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative of 2019 launched at EAS, Bangkok. India’s
signature event witnessed the participation of four heads of state including
Russian President Putin, President of Congo who is also president of African
Union, PM of Vietnam and 10 ministers. Post the Open-Debate, all the 15 members
of the council unanimously approved the presidential remarks.
Unfazed by Chinese aggression and strong-arm tactics,
India for the first time ever brought about some consensus on global commons
and responsible use of seas. Putin expressed thanks to India for pursuing this
initiative.
EAM Jaishankar chaired the second open-debate on ‘Protecting
the protectors: Technology and Peace-Keeping’. India has the sterling
reputation of being the largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping missions since
1948. India has the iconic record of contributing more than 250,000 troops in
49 missions of which 175 Indians have laid down their lives for the cause of
peace. New Delhi has been founding member of Peace Building commission started
in 2005. Currently 5000 Indian personnel are deployed across 9 missions. In the
wake of pandemic, India donated 200,000 vaccines for the peacekeeping forces,
upgraded two peace keeping hospitals at MONUSCO in Juba, South Sudan and UNMISS
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, pledged a helicopter unit for MINUSMA.
Being the traditional benefactor of peace keeping
forces and cognizant of the asymmetric threats faced by them, India rightly
advocated for enhanced measures to ensure safety and security of peacekeeping
forces. India called for Digital Transformation of the UN Peacekeeping and use
of technology across the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and proposed four-point
framework for the same.
Firstly- deployment of proven, cost-effective,
reliable and field serviceable, renewable and environmental technologies for
agile maneuverability of mission assets, second- a robust early warning
information system and intelligence sharing; third-strengthening communications
within missions to enhance informed decision taking capacities and lastly-
training of forces in the realm of technology.
To this end, India’s Centre for UN Peacekeeping
(CUNPK) started in 2000 signed a MoU with C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations
(UNCAP) for new training modules for UN peacekeepers. Affirming India’s vision
for Peacekeeping, a crucial cornerstone to accomplish UN mandates, the council
has adopted Presidential statement on ‘Technology for Peacekeeping’ and
resolution on ‘Accountability of Crimes against UN Peacekeepers’ making it the
first ever document in peacekeeping.
Close on the heels of Taliban takeover of Kabul, EAM
Jaishankar chaired an open debate on the most consequential issue of
geopolitical realm titled – ‘Threats to international peace and security caused
by terrorist acts’. Unequivocally reiterating its stance on terrorism for the
past few decades, India has been raising this issue at various multilateral and
plurilateral platforms. Initially, India’s concerns were rebuffed by the
Western countries but when the scourge began to hit their lands and engulf
their societies, countries began to condemn terrorism in all forms and
manifestations.
The return of Taliban and its potential to turn into
fount for global terrorism has heightened the concerns of regional and
international security. For the consideration of the council India has put
forth eight-point action plan and objectively enlisted cardinal principles that
can aid in countering terror. These included- don’t justify terrorism, glorify
terrorists; no double standards; no blocks on listing requests; discourage
exclusivist thinking; recognize linkage to organized crime; no religious and
political considerations for delisting and enlisting; strengthening FATF and
funding UN office of counter terrorism.
But unfortunately, the collective resolve is impaled
by nations who continue to unabashedly coopt the state sponsors of terror in
pursuit of global ambitions. In the light of deteriorating Afghan situation,
India brought to notice the potential threat from the anti-India outfits patronized
by Pakistan which can now draw strength from the rise of Taliban. Keen on
bestowing legitimacy to Taliban, China and Russia abstained from resolution.
Diligently, chartering through the global challenges
and offering a blueprint to address them, India has inexorably made her stance
clear on various issues. In a stellar show a vivacious diplomacy, India steered
discussions on Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Ethiopia and Middle East Peace
process. In all, India issued four Presidential statements- highest monthly
statements thus far in this year.
Pitching for a reformed UNSC, beginning its two-year
tenure as the non-permanent member of UNSC, India has unveiled ‘5S’ approach-
Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialog), Sahyog (Cooperation), Shanti (Peace), Samriddhi
(Prosperity). Committed to multilateralism, rule of law, a fair and equitable
international system, India advocated responsible and inclusive solutions for
international peace and security.
By successfully hosting Presidency Open Debates on focus
areas amid the looming the global flux, India ascertained her interests.
Enunciating constructive, innovative and inclusive solutions India has firmly
established her credentials as a responsible power.
By bringing international attention to myriad global
challenges and eloquently presenting a framework, India is rightfully seeking
to claim her place at the famed horseshoe table as a permanent member.
Retrenching America has created a leadership void. Displaying a rare leadership
acumen, commitment and initiative to steer herself as a reliable stakeholder,
India inadvertently highlighted the flaws of archaic membership structure of
UNSC.
Sending home, the message that a reformed UNSC can
eventually offer a solution to the multiplicity of global challenges amid the
rejig in the global order, India is attempting to buttress its candidacy for
permanent membership at UNSC.
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